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DS 7 Crossback review – a genuine rival to premium alternatives? - Design

The DS 7 Crossback offers much in the way of luxury, space and moderately quirky design but it’s not an inspiring drive

Evo rating
RRP
from £28,050
  • Luxury trappings, good ride, well-equipped
  • Expensive, uninspiring engines, dull handling

Design

DS is keen for its products to be seen as something a little bit different from the offerings of the mainstream so it’s a little bit of a shame that the Crossback follows the traditional crossover SUV look. It is well proportioned, even if it does have a slight hint of Audi about its front end, and there is some nice detailing, too.

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Pride of place must go to the rotating, jewelled effect headlights which look superb when they switch on - it’s just a shame you can’t see it happen from the driver’s seat. On the move the lights feature several different modes depending on where you’re driving (town, countryside, motorway, etc) and set their light pattern accordingly. It works well in practice, although the number of oncoming drivers who flashed us on our test drive left us wondering if they’re not a little over-bright in some modes.

evo tip - It might be uninspiring to drive but the DS7 has more interior space than its rivals and a boot that’s nigh-on 100 litres larger than an Audi Q3’s so if it’s space you’re after Crossback may well be worth a look.

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